Role of combined effect of siddhartak snana and matra basti with shamana yoga chikitsa in ekakushta (psoriasis) – a case study

In Ayurveda, all the skin diseases are explained under Kushtha roga and are classified as Maha kushtha (major skin disorders) and Kshudra Kushtha (minor skin disorders). Ekakushta is one among the eleven Kshudra Kushta; it is predominance of Kapha & Vata Dosha. It is one of the most common disorders of the dermatologic diseases which is non-infectious chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease having unknown etiology characterized by well-defined dry scaly erythematous patches and covered with adherent silvery white scales. Clinically Ekakushta can be correlated with psoriasis. 2 to 3% of the total world population has psoriasis, and prevalence in India ranges from 0.44 to 2.8%. Ekakushta (Psoriasis) can be better managed by the Ayurvedic principles of management namely Nidana Parivarjana (avoiding etiological factor), Shodhana chikitsa (Panchakarma therapy), Shamana chikitsa (palliative treatment). A 66 year old male patient having severe itchy, scaly lesions all over the body including scalp associated with burning sensation approached OPD. The patient was treated with Matra basti 80 ml with Sahacharadi oil, external application of Sidhharthaka Snana, Sarwang Abhyang, Vashpa Sweda along with Shamana Yoga Chikitsa Kankbindwarishta, Gandhak rasayana, Talkeshwar ras, Manjishthadi churna, Ttriphla guggul. Patient got 70% results in chief and associated complaints within 15 days. This case study revealed the efficacy of Ayurvedic therapy, including both external and internal medications, for one month in the management of Kushtha. Subject Area: EKAKUSTHA (PSORIASIS)